By Deborah Onyofufeke, Abuja
Co-ordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr Ali Pate, yesterday disclosed that in the last six months, a total of 2,497 doctors, midwives/nurses, and community health extension workers have been recruited by the Federal Government to bridge the gap in the Healthcare sector due to attrition.
He further added that the FG will release N50bn as the first tranche of the Basic Healthcare Fund, a significant increase from N25bn allocated in 2022.
The Minister stated this at a ministerial press briefing in Abuja where he said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has recorded significant success in advancing the nation’s health sector.
He added that the government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare accessibility, affordability, and quality has been unwavering.
Pate said that since assuming office, the government has prioritized the revitalization of primary healthcare facilities across the nation, ensuring they are adequately equipped and staffed to provide essential services to communities.
The Health Minister also said the government has expanded access to vital healthcare services, particularly in rural and underserved areas, through sustained investment and strategic partnerships, thereby improving health outcomes and reducing the burden of preventable diseases.
He disclosed that as a result of the government’s efforts, the nation has recorded an increase in the proportion of women who attend antenatal care.
He said, “Over 550,000 women now attend their first antenatal care and are armed with the right information and care to improve their pregnancy outcomes and reduce maternal and child mortality.
“The achievements we have recorded signal progress and improvements. To sustain and continue to build on these gains, in the last six months, the Government of Nigeria recruited 2,497 doctors, midwives/nurses, and Community Health Extension Workers, CHEWs to bridge the gaps due to attrition.
“An additional 1,400 health facilities now have Skilled Birth Attendants to assist in deliveries at the health facilities. This has increased the number of health facility deliveries to as high as 230,000 deliveries per month.
“I am delighted to announce that the Federal Government will be releasing N50 billion as the first tranche of the Basic Healthcare Fund, a significant increase from N25 billion allocated in 2022. This infusion of funds will breathe new life into our primary healthcare facilities, ensuring that quality care is accessible to all citizens.”
Pate noted that the government has made substantial strides in expanding health insurance coverage.
